A fresh vote to be taken in Thimarafushi constituency

The provisional results of the historic parliamentary elections announced for Thaa Thimarafushi constituency is to be cancelled and voting in the constituency is to he held again, according to reliable sources. According to information received the decision was taken due to many voting irregularities in the constituency and due to many issues raised by the candidates who contested Thaa Thimarafushi seat. Candidates have highlighted irregularities in vote counting as well as issues with the ballot boxes in the constituency. Dhivehi Rahyihtunge Party (DRP) Deputy Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali speaking to media on Wednesday said that he will not accept the results announced for Thaa Thimarafushi constituency. He said there were several irregularities during voting and vote counting and that every effort would be made under the laws of the country to change the results and secure the Thimarafushi seat. DRP candidate Qassan Maumoon, son of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who contested Thaa atoll Thimarafushi constituency, on Tuesday filed the case at High Court seeking a court order to cancel the results of 2 ballot boxes positioned in the island and to take a fresh vote in the constituency. The case filed on behalf of DRP candidate Qassan Maumoon was submitted along with necessary evidence to prove the case, according to information received. Speaking to the media on Monday, Qassan’s brother Farish Maumoon said undue influence was exerted during parliamentary voting in Thaa Thimarafushi constituency. He said they were in the process of collecting evidence and other pertinent details necessary to submit the case to High Court. According to Farish, in addition to exertion of heavy political influence, intimidation and bribery, death threats were also given. He noted that even some of the were Election Observers came under attack and the despite the election commission’s regulations to commence counting of votes within an hour of ballot boxes being closed, vote counting began several hours later. According to provisional election results, MDP candidate Mohamed Mustapha won the Thimarafushi seat and DRP candidate Qassan Maumoon came second.